Help With Student Loans - HERE!

Stemac1

Hi Taiko.

I could do with some help. A I've a student loan and a couple of years ago I moved to Australia, I informed the SLC that I was travelling/doing voluntary work and at first that was ok. Over the last 12 months I've not spoken to them, but a person who lives at my old address contacted me this week to say that a debt collection company 'Newman' had contacted them trying to get my details. Their reference was SLxxxxxx so I presume it's about my student loan. I know it's my mistake for not keeping them informed of where and what I was doing but I don't want to call Newman. I'm going to try calling the SLC on Monday. Any advice? I'm scarred that the debt collection will come after me.

Thanks soo much for any help.

Steve

Taiko

Not heard of Newman, if I'm honest. There's a Newlyn debt collectors, but they're precisely that. They cannot take your stuff.

abbieno7_2

Hi

Please could anyone tell me if I would be eligible to apply for full time finance for a degree course?

I have undertaken a Cert Ed course recently on a part time basis and received part time finance (Course Grant and about 40% of the fees paid for) by the SLC. Would this make me ineligible to apply for full time finance in the future?

Thanks for your help

Taiko

Depends on the course being taken.

mrsd

Hello Taiko

Am sure you are busy and can see from here that lots of people contact you. Just to let you know that I managed to speak to someone at the Student loans dept this morning and its not all doom and gloom as we first thought. Would appreciate you opinions/knowledge if you have managed to find out anything out, but if you are very busy I do at least have something to go on so not to worry. Thanks again.

Taiko

I honestly haven't had chance yet, have ended up short-staffed for financial year end, so not a great deal to do more complex things. Will try and get this resolved in the next few nights though.

Taiko

Ok, having had a chance to go through things, I'm of the belief that you are eligible for support, obviously pending sight of any contracts. My reasoning behind this is:

- The work undertaken, namely advising UAE government, required mobility. This work was offered via a British company.

- A relevant connection with the UK was formed, with return at the end of the contract, albeit without the father.

I also get the impression that, were it not for the overseas posting, you'd have probably stayed within the UK. With it being an intention to return, I'd be satisfied that the criteria for temporary employment abroad defined within Schedule 1 of The Education (Student Support) Regulations 2011 was met, and therefore would offer full entitlement.

mrsd

Taiko

Many many thanks for this, much appreciated as know you are busy.

The woman I spoke to did say that we would need to complete a paper application (as when we answered initial online questions it takes you to a page that says "sorry unable to help") and provide lots of other evidence which I am willing and able to do.

As you know it was only temporary move and yes we would definately have stayed here had my husband been able to remain in his UK job.

Taiko

I see no problems with it being accepted then, subject to all documentation being provided. However, if you encounter any problems, feel free to PM me to grab my attention.

alibaba40

Hello - I don't know how this forum works but if you get my message and can help - great!

My daughter has gone to Vienna Uni to study for a 3 year undergrad course. She is a UK citizen and as far as I can gather cannot obtain any loans / grants through Student Finance. She is classed as a student but with no finance and can't claim JSA on her return during holidays. Classed as independent except when it comes to paying for dental / prescriptions then it goes on our income as if she was living us.

Fortunately the degree is virtually free but still have living costs. Do you know anything about 'portability of student finance'?

BTW we are not rich so we are funding living costs out of her savings and our income.

Any help gratefully received.